Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré: A Classic New Orleans Cocktail

The Vieux Carré is made with a blend of whiskey, brandy, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, and bitters. The drink is typically served in a rocks glass over ice and garnished with an orange twist.

The Vieux Carré is a popular cocktail in New Orleans and is often served at Mardi Gras celebrations. The drink is also enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the world.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces whiskey

• 1 ounce brandy

• 1 ounce sweet vermouth

• 1 ounce Benedictine

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice.

2. Stir until well-chilled.

3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

4. Garnish with an orange twist.

Enjoy!

History of the Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré is a classic New Orleans cocktail that has a rich history. The drink was created in the early 1930s by Harry McElhone, the owner of Harry's New York Bar in Paris. McElhone was inspired to create the Vieux Carré after visiting New Orleans and sampling the city's signature cocktails, such as the Sazerac and the Ramos Gin Fizz.

McElhone named the Vieux Carré after the French Quarter of New Orleans, which is known for its historic architecture and vibrant culture. The drink quickly became popular in New Orleans and soon spread to other parts of the world.

The Vieux Carré is a complex cocktail with a blend of flavors that are both sweet and savory. The drink is often described as being "smoky" and "herbal" due to the use of Benedictine. The Vieux Carré is a popular choice for cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy complex and flavorful drinks.

Variations on the Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré is a classic cocktail, but there are many variations on the recipe. Some bartenders prefer to use a different type of whiskey, such as rye or bourbon. Others may add a dash of absinthe or another liqueur to the mix. There is no right or wrong way to make a Vieux Carré, so feel free to experiment with different variations until you find one that you enjoy the most.

Here are a few popular variations on the Vieux Carré:

• The New Orleans Vieux Carré: This variation uses rye whiskey instead of bourbon.

• The Sazerac Vieux Carré: This variation uses Sazerac Rye instead of bourbon.

• The Vieux Carré Royale: This variation is made with Champagne instead of water.

Conclusion

The Vieux Carré is a classic New Orleans cocktail that is known for its complex flavors and rich history. The drink is a popular choice for cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy complex and flavorful drinks. There are many variations on the Vieux Carré recipe, so feel free to experiment until you find one that you enjoy the most.